If you are interested in adopting an animal, but are unable to immediately complete the adoption process, you may place a temporary hold on an adoptable pet for $25. This nonrefundable fee will be applied to your adoption fee when you take your new family member home!
How to place a hold:
- You must complete an adoption application before placing a hold. All applicants must be over the age of 18.
- Stop by the shelter any time during our open hours to place a hold in-person with a staff member: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12-7 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. We cannot place holds over the phone or through email during open hours. You can complete the adoption and place a hold in the same visit.
- Complete the adoption process! Learn more about the process here.
Please note that all holds expire at the close of the next shelter business day. Again, we cannot place holds over the phone or via email—thank you for your understanding.
Falling in love with a pet who already has a hold? Available animals at WHS may have up to three holds placed by interested adopters, so don’t hesitate to stop-in you see that a pet you’d like to adopt is already on hold! This is considered as a “back-up hold” and places you “next in line” in case the initial hold on that pet doesn’t lead to an adoption. The cost for back-up holds is still $25. This hold fee is nonrefundable, even if you do not end up completing an adoption, and non-transferable to another adoptable pet.
If you have any questions, please contact the shelter at 503-585-5900. We are excited to help you find that perfect four-legged family member.